# The Chemical Brothers – Setting Sun (1996)
The Chemical Brothers emerged in the mid-1990s as pioneers of the big beat movement, establishing themselves as electronic music's most commercially potent force. By 1996, the British duo of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons had already made significant waves with their debut album, but Setting Sun marked their breakthrough moment into mainstream consciousness. Released on Freestyle Dust, this 12-inch single showcased their signature sound while reaching audiences far beyond traditional electronic music circles.
Setting Sun exemplifies the big beat aesthetic that defined mid-90s electronic music: massive breakbeats, funk-influenced bass lines, and orchestral swells combined with hip-hop sensibilities. The full-length version features a memorable vocal hook and infectious groove that propelled it into genuine hit status, becoming one of the defining tracks of the era. The production is characteristically dense and layered, with samples woven throughout the pulsating rhythm section that became the Chemical Brothers' calling card.
This vinyl release captures the track's expansive energy in multiple formats. The instrumental version, stretching to seven minutes, allows listeners to focus on the meticulous production work and intricate beat programming without vocal distractions. The inclusion of Buzz Tracks as a B-side adds variety while maintaining the album's overall sonic coherence. Setting Sun represented a crucial moment when electronic music transcended underground status, and this 12-inch remains an essential artifact of early big beat's commercial ascendancy and artistic ambition.
